Eritrea: flag, capital, currency and history
Eritrea, officially the State of Eritrea, is a country in Eastern Africa, Africa. Its capital is Asmara. The currency is the Eritrean nakfa. Languages spoken include Arabic, English and Tigrinya.
Quick facts about Eritrea
- Official name
- State of Eritrea
- Capital
- Asmara
- Region
- Africa, Eastern Africa
- Currency
- Eritrean nakfa (ERN, Nfk)
- Languages
- Arabic, English, Tigrinya
- Calling code
- +291
- Internet domain
- .er
- Area
- 117,600 km² (45,406 sq mi)
- Demonym
- Eritrean
- National day
- Independence Day, May 24
Flag of Eritrea
Download the flag of Eritrea as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇪🇷.
History of Eritrea
The Red Sea coast and highlands of Eritrea were linked to ancient trading networks and to the Aksumite kingdom. The area later came under various rulers, including the Ottomans on the coast. Italy established a colony there from 1890, and it was part of Italian East Africa from 1936. Britain administered it from 1941, and in 1952 it was federated with Ethiopia, which annexed it in 1962. An armed independence struggle followed, ending in 1991. Eritrea became formally independent after a 1993 referendum, and it has its capital at Asmara.
Key dates
- 1890Italy proclaims the colony of Eritrea.
- 1941British forces take control, ending Italian rule.
- 1952Eritrea is federated with Ethiopia under a United Nations resolution.
- 1961An armed struggle for independence begins.
- 1991Eritrean forces take control of Asmara, ending the war.
- 1993Eritrea becomes formally independent after a referendum.
- 1998A border war with Ethiopia begins and continues until 2000.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Eritrea
Eritrea uses the Eritrean nakfa (ERN, Nfk). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Eritrea?
The capital of Eritrea is Asmara.
What currency does Eritrea use?
Eritrea uses the Eritrean nakfa (ERN, symbol Nfk).
What languages are spoken in Eritrea?
Languages used in Eritrea include Arabic, English and Tigrinya.
What is the calling code of Eritrea?
The international calling code of Eritrea is +291. Its internet domain is .er.
Which countries border Eritrea?
Eritrea shares land borders with Djibouti, Ethiopia and Sudan.
On which continent is Eritrea?
Eritrea is in Africa, in the region of Eastern Africa.
What is the national day of Eritrea?
Eritrea marks Independence Day on May 24.
Neighbours of Eritrea
More countries in Eastern Africa
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).